The Kemmerer Republican

THE BRIDGER NATIONAL FOREST

KNOW THE BEAUTIES OF YOUR COUNTRY—BEING THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF ARTICLES ON LINCOLN COUNTY'S UNSURPASSED SCENIC ATTRACTIONS: NATURE UNDEFILED—MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS, MIRROR LAKES, WOODLANDS AND BEAUTIFUL VALLEYS.
(By C. A. Beam, Forest Supervisor, Kemmerer, Wyoming)

The Bridger National Forest is located in Lincoln and Fremont counties in west central Wyoming. The main portion of the forest lies on the west slope of the Wind River range of mountains, extending from its peaks of perpetual snow, to the broad, fertile valley of the Green River and its tributaries. Within its boundaries this river has its main source, fed by eternal snow-fields and glaciers which are among the largest in America.

Above the valley the forested area rises almost abruptly, back of which stand the rough and rugged peaks of the Wind River range. Portions of this range have the name of being some of the most rugged in the West, cut by deep inaccessible canyons, having solid granite perpendicular walls rising hundreds of feet on either side.

Many Lofty Peaks

This range contains numerous peaks among which are Gannett (13,785 ft.) and Fremont (13,780 ft.), the two highest peaks in Wyoming, and many others ranging in altitude from 12,000 to 13,600 feet. So far as known, Gannett Peak has never been scaled. It is surrounded by what is locally

called "Mammoth Glacier," and its summit is never free from ice and snow. Although a hard climb, it is not considered dangerous to reach the summit of Fremont and several parties have made the ascent. It bears the name of General John C. Fremont, who is said to have made the climb and unfurled the Stars and Stripes from its summit nearly a century ago, doing his early expedition.

Hundreds of Lakes

The water supply is unlimited, clear, cold springs are abundant and supply the hundreds of lakes, varying in size from a few acres to several square miles. Green River is the main stream the principal tributaries to which are Newfork River, Lake Creek, Pine Creek, Pole Creek, Boulder Creek, East Fork River, Big and Little Sandy Creeks. Sweetwater River, a tributary to the Platte River, heads in the southern portion of the forest.

At present the principal use of the forest is grazing. Large herds of sheep and cattle range during summer within its boundaries. The cattle are wintered on the vast hay ranches in the valley, while sheep range on the desert country to the south. In addition to grazing there are a few small mills manufacturing lumber for local markets.

Lies North of Kemmerer

The forest is located approximately 100 miles north from the Oregon Short Line and Union Pacific Railroads and can be reached by automobile over fairly good roads. Through highways are now under construction, both from Kemmerer and Rock Springs. Upon the completion of these roads this forest and its many attractive features will afford many excellent side trips to those tourists and travelers who are en route from the Lincoln Highway to the Yellowstone National park, via Kemmerer, the Hoback Canyon and Jackson Hole country.

The small towns adjacent to the forest, Boulder, Pinedale, Cora and Daniel, each support general stores carrying a complete stock of outing supplies and merchandise of all kinds.

Camping and Summer Home Sites

On practically all of the lakes and streams are found the most beautiful camp and summer home sites. The larger lakes are the upper and lower Green River lakes, Newfork, Willow, Fremont, Halfmoon, Burnt and Boulder, all of which are well supplied with native trout, and all, with the exception of Burnt Lake, are accessible by automobile. The Green River Lakes are situated at the mouth of the Green River Canyon, one of the most attractive and picturesque play grounds in the Rockies, with perpendicular walls several hundred feet in height. One of the main features of this canyon is Square Top Mountain, a huge block of granite extending 3000 feet above the bottom of the canyon. The forest service is now constructing a road up the valley to the Green River Lakes from which a good pack trail leads up the canyon a distance of sixteen miles to Three Forks Park, the head of the main canyon. Here is where the Green River begins, formed by the junction of three streams falling into the canyon from the peaks and glaciers above. Trout are plentiful and here is the home of the mountain sheep, moose, elk, deer and bear.

Fremont Lake Largest

Fremont is the largest of the lakes and has approximately 24 miles of shore line, all of which affords fine camping and summer home sites. It is accessible by a good road and located four miles from the town of Pinedale. Motor boats are available for hire and a trip to the head of the lake by boat is one that attracts many pleasure seekers each season. From the head of this lake short trips can be taken into Pine Creek Canyon, to Long Lake and the Fremont Canyon which are also noted for their ruggedness and grandeur. Native and rainbow trout abound in these lakes and streams.

Big Game

Only portions of the forest are open to the hunting of big game. Elk are plentiful, but the hunting of this animal is prohibited on the entire forest by the state game laws. Deer and mountain sheep are quite plentiful and may be hunted during the open season in October and November. Moose are found in the swamps and canyons, but are protected by the law. Bear are plentiful over practically the entire forest.

Game birds, ducks, geese, sage hens and grouse are plentiful and are found on all portions of the forest, suitable to their habits.

Trout fishing is an important feature as nearly all of the streams are well supplied, excepting those at the high elevations. All of the principal streams fall through rugged canyons, having continuous rapids and falls, and fish are not able to reach the higher waters.

Mode of Travel

In general, the forest is well supplied with trails which can be traveled with pack animals, and the forest service now has a complete plan of the road and trail system worked out. Construction work is going forward just as fast as possible.

Ideal pack trips upon which one may indulge in fishing, hunting and mountain climbing can be taken over almost any portion of the forest, and affords excellent opportunities for recreation visitors and pleasure seekers.